Create a new strongname keypair in the specified file. The default key length is 1024 bits and MUST ALWAYS be used when signing 1.x assemblies. Any value from 384 to 16384 bits (in increments of 8 bits) is a valid key length to sign 2.x assemblies. To ensure maximum compatibility you may want to continue using 1024 bits keys. Note that there's no good reason, even if it's possible, to use length lesser than 1024 bits.

Re-sign the specified assembly using the specified strongname keypair file (SNK) or a PKCS#12/PFX password protected file. You can only sign an assembly with the private key that matches the public key inside the assembly (unless it's public key token has been remapped in machine.config).

Strongnames configuration is kept in "machine.config" file. Currently two

features can be configured.

/configuration/strongNames/pubTokenMapping

This mechanism lets Mono remap a public key token, like the ECMA token, to another public key for verification. This is useful in two scenarios. First, assemblies signed with the "ECMA key" need to be verified by the "runtime" key (as the ECMA key isn't a public key). Second, many assemblies are signed with private keys that Mono can't use (e.g. System.Security.dll assembly). A new key cannot be used because it should change the strongname (a new key pair would have a new public key which would produce a new token). Public key token remapping is the solution for both problems. Each token must be configured in a "map" entry similar to this one: <map Token="b77a5c561934e089" PublicKey="00..." />

/configuration/strongNames/verificationSettings

It is often useful during development to use delay signed assemblies. Normally* the runtime wouldn't allow delay-signed assemblies to be loaded. This feature allows some delay-signed assemblies (based on their public key token, optionally assembly name and user name) to be used like they were fully signed assemblies. [*] Note that Mono 1.0 "runtime" doesn't validate strongname signatures so this option shouldn't be required in most scenarios.